He was born Nov. 18, 1920, to Andrew and Gertrude Larson, on a farm near Douglas, N.D.

Raised in a family of 18 siblings, he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1938. He served in World War II in 1942, when he served in the Army’s 9th Armored Division, ultimately in the Battle of the Bulge, in Belgium.

He returned and moved to Denver where he met and married Evelyn Yearous on Nov. 12, 1948. They met while both attended Barnes Business College.

Mr. Larson was employed by American Standard Plumbing and, later, the city of Denver, in the Parks and Recreation Division warehouse.

The Larsons had two sons, Craig and Steven, who grew up with their father’s love of the outdoors. Mr. Larson volunteered with the Boy Scouts of America, teaching the camping merit badge to many scouts, including his sons, who both attained the rank of Eagle Scout.

He was open and kind to all he met, and he made the world a happier place with his love and encouragement to all those in his life, his family said.

Mr. Larson was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years and is survived by sons, Craig of Durango, and Steven of Leadville; four grandchildren; and a great-grandson.

A memorial service will be held in spring, and the family requests support for local Alzheimer’s Association groups.